Page 48 of Lucas

After he dried my tears, I thanked him and told him maybe we’d meet up again. To which he replied, “Maybe someday we will be two people meeting again for the first time.” No wonder I felt that affinity towards him from the get-go.

All I can say is he’s turned my world upside down in the best way possible. Not only does he love me, I get to go to work with him every day. Together, we can build an empire and our future together.

His words, not mine.

I don’t need him to drop down on one knee and make a grandiose proposal. Just hearing that I’m his forever was all the reassurance I needed. We’ve come full circle and I’d love to send Adam a postcard from every city that we play in, thanking him for selling Java Joe’s. But I won’t stoop to his level of deception.

Now that we’re all here and ready for the concert to begin, he’s relaxed, happy, and joking around with the band. He did a total three-sixty from the brooding bad boy he was before he admitted how he felt. It’s as if a weight has lifted off his shoulders and he’s now ready to conquer the world.

Well, so am I. Right by his side.

I had a sneaking suspicion that concerts were a huge deal to pull off, but nothing could have prepared me for this. The hustle and bustle backstage is outrageous. There are so many people running around, you’d think they’d collide with one another. But every single one of them has a purpose and they pull it off with the utmost precision.

The lighting guys also do an amazing job of keeping up with everything. Lucas mentioned that they’re using the same techniques with both bands since it’s so much easier that way. The only difference isThe Sinful Sevenis the only band that will have some kick-ass techno at the end for their grand finale. I can’t wait to see what they have up their sleeve.

Saving the best for last.

I’m glad Quinn knows what she’s doing since she’s the one in charge of it all. Who knew that an assistant wore so many different hats? My only hope is that she gets paid very well. I know I am, and she does so much more than I ever dreamed of doing. It’s kinda funny, because every once in a while I see her eyeballing Jet. We all know she’s got the hots for him, except the man in question. Hey, maybe he does and he’s not interested in hooking up with the boss lady, which might be a smart move on his part.

Laid Baretook the stage to thunderous applause around forty minutes ago and the guys are glued to the spot, enjoying their performance. Knowing Lucas, he’s questioning whether they’re better thanThe Sinful Sevenand they’re not. Don’t get me wrong, they’re amazing. But my guys have a stage presence like no one else I’ve ever seen before. I wouldn’t kid you about something like that.

You just have to take my word for it.

Once they take their final bows, they bound off-stage. Now it’sThe Sinful Seven’sturn to give them kudos and pats on the back for a job well done. Just likeExistentialdid for them all those months ago. Really, it seems like forever ago, but it really wasn’t.

“You guys were awesome! How did it feel?” Lucas is the first one to approach them, and the rest follow suit. There’s so much adrenaline pumping through them that everyone’s talking at once. I stand off to the side, letting them do their thing. I’m just the business manager—I’ll never know what it feels like to be up on that stage.

34

Lucas

Tonight,Laid Bareproved they were the perfect choice as our opening act. These guys don’t need any perks from me, they’re destined to go far in this business. I’ll gladly give them a little push, but I’m sure after this tour is over, they’ll have their own record deal. They sure have my vote.

We’re knee-deep in the middle of the set changes and I’m getting antsy listening to the crowd stomping their feet and chanting our names. Everyone feels the same as Jet and Trevor pace back and forth. There’s no time better than this for a bit of thankfulness. For all the blood, sweat, and tears that we’ve been through to get to this point. Our first concert as the headliners! Fuck, this is really happening.

“Hey guys, get your asses over here,” I say. “I have some words of wisdom before we step out onto that stage for a sold-out crowd.” Willow, Jet, and Trevor step forward, and Abby and Quinn stay back. Oh, hell no that ain’t happening. “Whatever we do from this day forward includes the both of you, too, so get your asses over here, now.” I love how they both look at one another, laugh, and gather around. That’s so much better.

“I don’t want to get all sappy here, not my style, but I want to thank all of you for sticking this out with me. I had a vision to start a band and one by one all of you came on board. Jet’s been around forever, and then Trevor signed up, and once his cousin Willow tried out, she was the last puzzle piece toThe Sinful Seven. But, we weren’t truly complete until Abby and Quinn joined us. Now we are a legit band, brand, and business. You know you’ve made it into the big times when the venue’s selling t-shirts and tons of merch with our faces plastered all over it.” That gets a rise out of everyone, and when my eyes meet Quinn’s, I mouth a thank you. She smiles and nods her approval.

“Now let’s do this. Gather around in a circle.” Once everyone is in position, I wrap my arm around Abby’s shoulder and then Jet’s. When they realize what I’m doing, they follow suit. One circle, symbolizing infinity. I bow my head and one by one they do the same. Hey, this is the beginning of a new era. A tradition we can continue throughout our career. “I want all of you to know, there’s no one else I want to do this with but you. You’re my backbone, my heart, and my fucking team. Whether or not you believe in a higher power, we didn’t get here today on our own. Someone’s watching out for us. Now, let’s have the best opening show ever.” I’m not sure what possesses me, but I start singingDistraction. It’s only fitting since it’s the name of our album and tour. One by one, they join in. Including Abby and Quinn. My heart’s full to bursting.

“Cause you’re a distraction

A fatal attraction

Seeping into my bones

Running through my veins…

One glance from Abby and I nod. Now she knows this one was written with her in mind. In fact, all the ballads I wrote were for her. I might not have admitted it back then, but I do now.

The LucasPipesKnight I once despised doesn’t exist any longer. I laid him to rest the moment I allowed Abby into my life. Now I’m surrounded by so much love and it feels amazing!

“Save your voices for the stage. You’re on in five!” Pete’s grinning from ear to ear. Holy fuck, this is really happening.

The stage is pitch black. The only lights flicker from the audience’s phones. Ready to snap pictures of us walking on stage. Their chanting is deafening and I want to soak it all in. My neck prickles at first, like a thousand fingers dancing across my flesh. Then my whole body soon follows. Goosebumps dot every inch of my skin as I turn to Abby. “Love you, baby.” Before I capture her lips with mine. I need to taste her before walking out there. I’m lost in her kiss when I hear Pete call out my name.

That’s my cue to get the hell out there.

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